The restoration of the Walnut Street Bridge has reached a key milestone as crews removed the final containment tarp from Span 1, signaling the end of major painting work and a shift into the project’s final phase. Officials say the project remains on schedule with a targeted completion date of late September 2026.
While some minor touch-up painting remains, the removal of the tarps marks the conclusion of large-scale containment efforts that have defined the bridge’s appearance in recent months.
Crews are nearing completion of structural steel repairs and have replaced about half of the bridge’s timber, with 95% of the wood being upgraded to Alaskan yellow cedar. So far, 1,203 linear feet of decking – covering areas above Coolidge Park – has been completed.
Work continues on remaining spans, with approximately 1,166 linear feet of timber still to be installed. Electrical crews have also begun installing conduits and preparing for new lighting as the project advances toward its final stages.
Room in the Inn targets unaccompanied youth
Chattanooga Room in the Inn has launched a pilot Unaccompanied Youth Program aimed at providing shelter and support for teens experiencing homelessness in Hamilton County.
Developed in partnership with Hamilton County Schools, the program will serve youth ages 16–18 who are not in the custody of a parent or guardian, helping them remain in school while working toward long-term stability.
The initiative offers safe shelter, academic support, case management, life skills training and trauma-informed care. School officials will help identify eligible students through the district’s Families in Transition office and coordinate services with Room in the Inn.
Executive Director Taylor Hixson said youth homelessness often goes unseen, with students balancing school and housing instability without family support. The pilot program is designed to provide structure, mentorship and a path toward independence.
Room in the Inn is currently testing the model while seeking funding to expand it into a permanent program. During the initial phase, the organization will begin serving 18-year-olds as it works toward full licensing.
Erlanger Health expands gifting of free gun locks
Erlanger Health is expanding its free gun lock campaign with a goal of distributing at least 2,026 locks.
In partnership with SaferTN.org, every family with a newborn at Erlanger Labor and Delivery locations will now receive a free gun lock and safety materials upon discharge.
Gun locks are also available at no cost at all Erlanger emergency departments and labor and delivery sites, including Children’s Hospital, Erlanger Baroness, Erlanger East and North, Erlanger Sequatchie, Erlanger Bledsoe and Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital.
Since early March, 235 gun locks have already been distributed.
Health officials say the initiative comes as firearm-related incidents remain the leading cause of death among children ages 1–17 in the United States, with many cases preventable through proper storage. The cable-style locks provided by Erlanger are designed to prevent firearms from being fired.
Erlanger encourages community members to pick up free gun locks for themselves or others and to practice safe firearm storage.
Fire department promotes Yellow Dot
The Chattanooga Fire Department is encouraging residents to participate in the Tennessee Yellow Dot program, a free initiative that provides first responders with critical medical information during roadway emergencies.
Participants place a yellow decal on the rear driver’s-side window of their vehicle and keep a completed medical information form in the glove compartment. The form includes details such as emergency contacts, medical conditions, medications and physician information, allowing responders to quickly access vital information if a person is unable to communicate.
Officials say the program can save valuable time in emergency situations. While originally aimed at senior drivers, it is open to anyone with medical conditions, allergies or daily prescriptions.
Free Yellow Dot packets are available at enrollment sites across the state, including locations in Hamilton County, where staff can assist with completing the form.
Alzheimer’s Association
7625 Hamilton Park Drive
Chattanooga AAA
2396 Lifestyle Way
Greenbriar Cove Community Center
4656 Tuckaway Lane
Hamilton County Health Department
921 E 3rd Street
Life Care Center of East Ridge
1500 Fincher Avenue
Morningpointe of Collegedale
9650 Leyland Drive
Morningpointe of Hixson
5501 Old Hixson Pike
Siskin Hospital
1 Siskin Plaza
The Lantern @ Morning Point of Chattanooga
7719 Shallowford Road
The Lantern @ Morning Point of Collegedale
9300 Messinger Lane